FRCS Intercepts Undeclared Cigarettes

FRCS Suva Maritime Compliance Team successfully intercepted and detained 8,340 sticks of undeclared cigarettes from a foreign fishing vessel that arrived on Friday, 16 October 2026.

The interception was made possible through targeted risk profiling, intelligence shared by our counterpart agencies, and the vigilance of Customs officers applying effective search techniques. The officers’ alertness and thorough searches helped uncover sophisticated concealment methods, with the cigarettes hidden in difficult-to-access areas of the vessel to evade detection.

The undeclared cigarettes were valued at $65,230, representing potential government revenue loss and a risk to Fiji’s border security.

With the assistance of Fiji Detector Dogs Unit and through close collaboration with our key partners, FRCS continues to strengthen maritime enforcement, detect illicit goods and safeguard Fiji’s borders.

This successful operation highlights the importance of intelligence sharing, effective risk management, vigilant officers, thorough search techniques and strong inter-agency cooperation in protecting our maritime borders.

FRCS remains committed to protecting government revenue, combating smuggling and securing Fiji’s borders.

Last Updated - 9 hours ago